We have what I think is bluegrass on the front lawn. There is one area shaded by a tree that is always dirt.
And now there are some patches of dirt on other areas.

I've lived with St. Augustine all my life and repairing this stuff appears to be a science.

Thanks very much in advance!

michaelm101 said: There is one area shaded by a tree that is always dirt.
repairing this stuff appears to be a science.

Yup...
I encourage people to consider alternatives when They ask what to do about the turf issues they're experiencing.

Some areas are always going to be problematic, turf simply isn't appropriate in those situations.

If I was seeing this issue in my area, and the home owner insisted that the solution had to be lawn... I would point to lilyturf.

In my area, lilyturf grows where nothing else will, can be mowed just like any of the rest of the lawn, and is far more resilient to shade and climate change issues.

Seems like there are grass types native to Chino Hills, but I'm not sure they will grow in the shade...

I suspect that you'll be a lot happier with shade adapted plants natural to your area.

As far as tree removal?
https://www.chinohills.org/21/...

Seems to be some rules in favor of the trees...

How about an article addressing plants for shade in your area?
https://freckledcalifornian.co...

stone said: Yup...
I encourage people to consider alternatives when They ask what to do about the turf issues they're experiencing.

Some areas are always going to be problematic, turf simply isn't appropriate in those situations.

If I was seeing this issue in my area, and the home owner insisted that the solution had to be lawn... I would point to lilyturf.

In my area, lilyturf grows where nothing else will, can be mowed just like any of the rest of the lawn, and is far more resilient to shade and climate change issues.

Seems like there are grass types native to Chino Hills, but I'm not sure they will grow in the shade...

I suspect that you'll be a lot happier with shade adapted plants natural to your area.

As far as tree removal?
https://www.chinohills.org/21/...

Seems to be some rules in favor of the trees...

How about an article addressing plants for shade in your area?
https://freckledcalifornian.co...

Thanks for your very helpful reply covering all the bases. I'm glad the rules are in favor of trees! Our neighbor to the south hates them. The developer planted carrotwoods on each site and some have chopped down these already miniscule trees. It's quite sad. I'm originally from an area that hosted large old oak trees.

I will most certainly, examine the scenarios you mentioned

stone said:
I suspect that you'll be a lot happier with shade adapted plants natural to your area.
How about an article addressing plants for shade in your area?
https://freckledcalifornian.co...

Any suggestions are greatly appreciated. I don't have time and patience (like I once had) to plant, FAIL and re-plant!

I don't know California plants... It's been a while since I was out there.

If I were doing it... For this growing season, I'd lift the existing turf there next to the walkway... It looks bad...

I'd turn the soil with a shovel and scatter some seed of annual flowers, or purchase an assortment of bedding plants / vegetables...

And put off till later making any permanent decisions.

In my area, permanent plants want to be autumn planted.